As the approaching figures drew near, Feng Daodian smoothed his sleeves and stepped forward, wearing a welcoming smile. He called out,
“Sect Master Yu, Sect Master Lei, welcome to Tianmen City as guests. It’s been many years, and you both still possess such remarkable presence.”
Feng Daodian understood perfectly well why these two had come.
Under his governance, Tianmen City’s populace lived in peace and happiness, attracting more people to join them.
Initially, this development wasn't overtly apparent, but as time passed, the disparity became clear.
Not to mention the leaders, Tianmen City was seeing an increasing number of geniuses rise.
While these geniuses were not yet powerful, given time, the Tianmen Sect would produce many Saint Venerables.
This was something they could foresee, and thus, if they allowed the Tianmen Sect to continue developing at this rate, it would eventually surpass them.
One might not strive for themselves, but they couldn’t stand by and watch others strive. Otherwise, the gap between themselves and those who strived would only widen.
Therefore, Yu Xiangfei and Lei Bao found common ground. They both realized the need to force Feng Daodian to abandon his clandestine methods and be like them. If he continued on this path, he would be well-fed, but what about everyone else?
If Feng Daodian refused, they would force him to agree.
Currently, their combined strength could still overpower Feng Daodian, but once he became truly powerful, even their combined efforts would be useless.
This was the primary reason for their visit.
The two men observed Feng Daodian’s insincere smile, his feigned excitement at their reunion, and they laughed heartily, "Sect Master Feng, you remain as charismatic as ever. After so many years, your strength has truly grown immense."
Though all three were at the Great Perfection of the Saint Venerable realm, within the same cultivation level, there were naturally differences, specifically in who possessed greater strength.
Feng Daodian showed no particular expression upon hearing this. Immense strength? He had just been reprimanded by a Saint Emperor, how could he be strong?
However, Feng Daodian could not possibly reveal such matters.
Besides, even if he did, they wouldn’t believe him.
The Great Perfection of the Saint Emperor realm was simply an impossibility.
They were all at the pinnacle and had never heard of anyone reaching the Great Perfection of the Saint Emperor realm in the Saint Realm.
Therefore, they dismissed such claims as idle talk and didn't believe a word of it.
"Thanks to both of you, I've been eating and sleeping well recently, which has helped my cultivation stabilize," Feng Daodian deliberately clasped his hands.
Yu Xiangfei and Lei Bao nearly cursed upon hearing this.
Damn Feng Daodian! Our talents are all flocking to you, and you expect us to believe you're eating and sleeping well?
Lei Bao's brow twitched, and he began to press the issue, "Sect Master Feng truly has a way with words. Unfortunately, we are all brethren. You alone feast while leaving us with nothing to eat. Is this not going too far?"
Too far?
Feng Daodian almost burst out laughing. He wanted the common people to live better lives, so he didn't exploit them, allowing them to live happily. And they called that going too far?
Frankly, it was because Feng Daodian was encroaching on their territory.
Otherwise, Yu Xiangfei and Lei Bao would not have journeyed to Tianmen City.
"Sect Master Lei, one may eat freely, but one must choose their words carefully. Please, enlighten me, where exactly have I gone too far?" Feng Daodian’s smile also vanished.
It wasn't just Feng Daodian who felt displeased; even the citizens watching from afar, upon hearing Lei Bao’s words, clenched their teeth in anger.
So, because you're not doing well, you want others to suffer as well?
If not for Lei Bao's overwhelming strength, all the citizens of Tianmen City would have drowned him in their spittle.
He was truly beyond human decency.
It was an unfortunate situation. A Saint Venerable Great Perfection expert, other than Feng Daodian, was something Tianmen City, even with all its combined strength, could do nothing against.
Lei Bao let out a cold laugh, "Sect Master Feng, in the past hundred years, setting aside other regions, how many talents from our two domains have you absorbed? If this continues, how do you expect us to survive?"
Lei Bao directly addressed the main reason for their visit today.
This was sheer barbarism. They simply reasoned that if they felt it was a reason, then it was a reason, and Feng Daodian should stop arguing.
This was precisely the attitude of Yu Xiangfei and Lei Bao. Shamelessly, they found a reason for themselves.
The reason was that the Tianmen Sect had stolen their talent.
If he continued, they would have no future, and if they had no future, they would fight a battle of attrition now.
Feng Daodian naturally understood their intentions. With a calm expression, he questioned, "I, Feng Daodian, have acted with a clear conscience towards heaven and earth. I only wish for the common people to live a better life. Is that truly wrong?"
"As Saint Venerable Great Perfection experts, as one of the rulers of the Saint Realm, you fail to consider the common people. You possess immense strength and status, yet you only cater to your own selfish desires."
"Our existence is to do our utmost for the people, not just to ensure our own well-being. With greater ability comes greater responsibility. Otherwise, what is the point of the Heavenly Dao granting you such immense power?"
"Now, you not only fail to see your inaction as a disgrace but even take pride in it. I truly pity you."
"Those with ability who do not consider the lives of the people, only caring for themselves and those close to them, are no different from mere straw dogs."
Feng Daodian’s earth-shattering words stirred the citizens of Tianmen City, who erupted in cheers, shouting,
“Sect Master Feng is mighty, Sect Master Feng shall live for ten thousand years.”